Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg
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| Background information | |
| Born | January 10, 1961 Rome, Italy |
| Genres | Classical music |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, author |
| Instruments | Violin |
| Years active | 1986–present |
| Labels | EMI, Nonesuch, NSS Music |
Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg (born January 10, 1961) is a famous classical violinist. She is both Italian and American. Nadja is also a talented teacher.
Contents
Nadja's Early Life and Learning
Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg was born in Rome, Italy. When she was eight years old, she moved to the United States. She and her mother settled in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.
Nadja loved music from a young age. She studied at the Curtis Institute of Music. Later, she learned from Dorothy DeLay at the Juilliard School of Music. She also attended the Aspen Music Festival and School.
A Career in Music
Nadja began her amazing music career early. In 1981, she won a big prize. She was the youngest winner ever at the Walter W. Naumburg International Violin Competition. This was a huge achievement!
She received an Avery Fisher Career Grant in 1983. This grant helps young musicians. In 1999, she won the Avery Fisher Prize. This award is for "outstanding achievement and excellence in music."
Writing and Documentaries
Nadja has done more than just play music. In 1989, she wrote a book for kids. It was called Nadja: On My Way. It's her autobiography, telling her life story.
In 1999, she received an honorary degree. This was from New Mexico State University. A documentary film was also made about her. It's called Speaking in Strings. This film was even nominated for an Academy Award in 2000!
Overcoming Challenges
In 1994, Nadja had a serious accident. She hurt her left little finger while cooking. Her fingertip was reattached with surgery. It took six months for her finger to heal.
During this time, she didn't stop playing. She changed how she played her music. She learned to perform using only three fingers! This shows how dedicated she is.
Collaborations and Recordings
Nadja has performed with many orchestras. She has played all over the world. She even performed at the White House.
In 2003, she played a new piece of music. It was Sérgio Assad's Triple Concerto. She performed it with the Assad brothers. This was with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra.
Nadja has released many recordings. These are on labels like Angel/EMI Classics and Nonesuch. In 2005, she started her own music label. It is called NSS Music.
She has also played with popular artists. These include Mandy Patinkin and Joe Jackson. She often works with pianist Anne-Marie McDermott.
Leading an Orchestra
In 2008, Nadja took on a new role. She became the Music Director. This was for the New Century Chamber Orchestra. She signed a three-year contract.
She has many jobs at once. She maintains her solo career. She also runs her record label. She works very hard!
Her Special Violin
Nadja plays a very special violin. It was made by Pietro Giovanni Guarneri. The violin is called "Miss Beatrice Lutyens, ex Cte de Sasserno, Cremona 1721." It is a beautiful and historic instrument.
Nadja in Media
Nadja has appeared on television many times. She was a guest on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. She was also featured on 60 Minutes in 1986. A follow-up story aired in 1999 on 60 Minutes II. In 2001, she even appeared on the sitcom Dharma & Greg. She played herself in an episode.
